Sister Wives: Kody’s Shocking Admission About His “Devastating” Past Explains So Much About His Failed Marriages (He Kept A Major Secret From His Wives)

Kody Brown’s messy saga continues to unfold on Sister Wives after the devastating end of three polygamous marriages. Kody introduced viewers to his wives Meri Brown, Janelle Brown, and Christine Brown in season 1. By the end of the season he had added a fourth wife, Robyn Brown. The family proudly overturned misperceptions about polygamy and fascinated audiences as they managed eighteen children and four households. Kody and his wives were devoted members of the Apostolic United Brethren, a fundamentalist Mormon sect.

Unfortunately, it soon became clear that Kody favored Robyn over his other wives, and the family’s plural culture began to unravel. Christine left Kody, followed by Janelle and Meri. Kody’s religious beliefs shifted as his polygamous lifestyle imploded, and he started to stray from the conservative views that had defined him. Kody’s latest revelation gives more insight into his background and why religion became a driving force in his life.

Kody Admitted He Lost His Virginity In College

He Had Always Presented Himself As A Devout Mormon

In the most recent episode of Sister Wives, Kody made a stunning confession. He recounted how he had lost his virginity to a woman he dated in college, prior to marrying Meri at age 21. Kody called the shame he felt after the experience "devastating."

Kody has been shown throughout Sister Wives’ 19 seasons preaching about the importance of purity culture. He warned his children about the dangers of premarital intimacy, even kissing. Christine stated that she and Kody didn’t kiss until they were married. The Brown women were also taught to wear extremely modest clothing, particularly in the show's early seasons.

When Robyn joined the family, she gave a tearful speech to the children about her regret over giving away her purity as a young woman. The topic was surrounded by shame, and her experience was used to instill fear about sex outside of marriage.

Kody’s Secret Sheds New Light On His Fundamentalist View On Sexuality

His Shame Contributed To His Perspective

Kody’s confession that he had broken a major rule of his religion is extra shocking because of his pious attitude towards sexuality. The shame he felt likely swayed his decision to pursue polygamy and push purity culture onto his children. Kody believed he had committed a great sin, and he had to prove his devotion to make up for it.

The anecdote also explains Kody’s unique bond with Robyn. He and Robyn had similar experiences as young adults, which is likely why they shared a similar attitude about plural marriage. As the Brown children grew older and Kody’s wives adapted to their newfound independence, Kody and Robyn still clung to their dream of living together as a united family. It seems both Kody and Robyn were looking to their religion’s encouragement of polygamy as a way to atone for their mistakes, despite Kody’s other marriages already hanging by a thread.

Kody Was Never Close Enough To Janelle Or Christine To Tell Them His Secret

His Revelation Points To The Imbalance In His Marriages

Although Kody said he opened up to Robyn about his past soon after meeting her, he never told Janelle or Christine.

This demonstrates how Kody’s marriages to Janelle and Christine were never on equal ground with his other marriages, something that was a sure sign of impending disaster.

Kody’s choice to keep his past a secret from Janelle and Christine proves how strained their relationships were from the start. It also explains why Kody’s wives struggled to understand some of his views when it came to religion and polygamy. If they'd been aware of the shame Kody buried, they may have more easily understood his motivation. But with no open communication, it’s no wonder Kody’s marriages didn’t survive.

Kody’s Religious Evolution Led Him Away From Polygamy

His Shifting Beliefs Coincided With The End Of His Marriages

Despite being one of the most famous modern polygamists, TLC's Kody now lives in monogamy with Robyn. He grew disillusioned with his religion, citing the control it had over things as minor as his hairstyle. As he became distanced from the belief system that had pushed him toward polygamy in the first place, Kody was no longer forced to pretend his marriages were functioning. He neglected to nurture his relationships with Meri, Janelle, and Christine, which led them to eventually leave him.

Kody now no longer believes in polygamy. He admitted it’s unsustainable and prevents true intimacy. It’s no coincidence that, after 19 seasons of Sister Wives, Kody is now able to talk about his past and admit he hasn’t always been perfect. His ability to shed his façade and be honest about his mistakes demonstrates Kody’s evolution away from the man who appeared in season 1. Kody’s shame contributed to his decision to live plural marriage, but as his religious conviction dwindled, so did his commitment to his wives.

Sister Wives season 19 airs on Sundays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on TLC.

Source: TLC/YouTube